HOUSTON -- On Christmas Eve 1983, Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, moved by the holiday spirit, decided to deliver furniture to needy families in the area surrounding his store on I-45 North. Thirty Three years and hundreds of houses later, Gallery Furniture is proudly continuing that tradition.

"Every year at Christmas time, Gallery Furniture donates 30 house fulls of furniture to needy Houston families. It's part of a way of giving back to this community, which has done so much for us over the years," McIngvale told NewsFix. "We do it year after year after year because we believe that 'the essence of living is giving."

McIngvale understands the hardships many families face.

"It really validates what we're trying to do, makes the employees feel good, and you know, giving back is an essential part of our community. We want to be part of this great community," he said.

Gallery Furniture will surprise local individuals and families with an entire house filled with furniture based upon their needs described in letters submitted by family and friends. Select stories will be posted to the Gallery Furniture Facebook page so that fans may see the results that their great support has made possible.